5513 or 14060 for a first Sub ?

Dominique
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Hi Everyone, new member of this amazing forum, invited by @Thommas and based in France.

I am on the search of my first dream vintage sub. After long nights of research, building xls tables and whatching all available Sub videos on Youtube, below are the criteria I selected:

  • Has to be a no date
  • I love the simplicity of a 2 lines
  • I'd love to have Tritium for the patina

Based on that I identified 2 references: 5513 or 14060 (before they moved to Luminova in 99)

What is your view ? Did I miss anything ? Please show me your wrist !
Any interesting deals here on these models that some members might have posted ?

Thanks
Dom

5513.webp 14060.webp
 
impalla62ss
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For Vintage, I would personally lean towards the 5513. The dial is so classic, compared to the 14060 which looks too much like Rolex's modern offerings for my taste. Good luck with your search.
 
Dan S
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I greatly prefer the 5513s for their vintage charm and wear them far more often. However, even though they are pressure tested, I am more comfortable wearing my 14060 on the rare rainy day.

submariners.webp
 
MtnMarine
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If this is part of a collection I would vote 5513. If this is going to be a daily wearer, I would go with the 14060. Both are great choices. Good luck with your choice!
 
Dominique
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MtnMarine MtnMarine
If this is part of a collection I would vote 5513. If this is going to be a daily wearer, I would go with the 14060. Both are great choices. Good luck with your choice!
Thanks, indeed, this is going to be maybe not a daily but surely a regular. I really love the plexi dome and patina of the 5513 but it feels so fragile. We have not talked about budget but I guess 5513 is more $$ than any 14060. Any views on the different calibers ? 1520/1530 vs 3000 ?
IMG_1420.webp
 
Thommas
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Great to see you here @Dominique - you've come to the right place! 😉

I would strongly recommend getting to know the community here spending a lot of time reading about all the intricacies these different references have to offer. Browsing through the many posts already published about them (39 pages of Submariner posts just in this one), asking questions, sharing pictures and engaging with the community are the best way to gain knowledge and ultimately make the best purchase decision.

There are alo plenty of great watches posted for sale in the Private Watch Sales forum and if you are patient, curious and discerning, I'm sure you'll eventually be able to source the right piece for your collection from a another trusted collector within the OF community.

Personally, I'd also favor the 5513 for the thrill of owning a true vintage piece— because there's something just magical in wearing a true classic in its purest form, with a gorgeous patina. Few things can stand the test of time like a well built watch and with proper care and maintenance, they can be worn and cherished for decades.

And trust me with this one, eventually the vintage bug will get you and once it bites, you won't be able to settle for anything else. So go ahead an get a 14060, just know you'll find yourself needing to buy another sub pretty quickly after that 🤣
Edited:
 
SWmania
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I would lean towards 5513.

But even when choosing 5513, there are a myriad of choices -

gilt vs matte vs WGS (white gold surrounds)

if going gilt, CR or no CR (chapter ring)
matte - maxi, serif, meters first...

Lots and lots of nuances, make sure to study before making the plunge.
The fun is in the hunt, they say.
 
Dash1
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A couple of things for you to consider.
An attractive and correct 5513 will be much more expensive than a 14060. It will be much easier to find a correct 14060 in nice condition. I think you really need a lot of knowledge to buy a correct 5513. The pre wgs 5513 definitely has much more vintage appeal, whereas the 14060 has a slightly more modern look.
Probably best to get both 😀
 
studeb
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Dan S Dan S
I greatly prefer the 5513s for their vintage charm and wear them far more often. However, even though they are pressure tested, I am more comfortable wearing my 14060 on the rare rainy day.

submariners.webp
I gotta ask, how do you know which one is next in the rotation?

And for the OP, 5513. But it’s not my compte.
 
Dan S
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studeb studeb
I gotta ask, how do you know which one is next in the rotation?
I don’t really wear my watches anymore. Just my g-shock.
 
Dan S
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Dominique Dominique
Why ? 😊
I got out of the habit of wearing watches when I was stuck at home during COVID-19, and never really got back into daily wear. I will put on a watch from my collection maybe once or twice a month.
 
Knebo
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Dash1 Dash1
A couple of things for you to consider.
An attractive and correct 5513 will be much more expensive than a 14060. It will be much easier to find a correct 14060 in nice condition. I think you really need a lot of knowledge to buy a correct 5513. The pre wgs 5513 definitely has much more vintage appeal, whereas the 14060 has a slightly more modern look.
Probably best to get both 😀

This is definitely valid advice.
I'd also go for the 5513, but you have to find a nice one... and those command a premium (or hard to find good deals).
 
pdxleaf
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14060M. Better movement and I like WGS. But also agree that it needs to be Tritium. 5513 is not worth the extra cost if you plan on wearing it. Nobody will know the difference except your bank account.

Just my opinion, but you asked.
 
Knebo
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pdxleaf pdxleaf
Better movement

Valid point. The 3130 movement is amazing. Compared to the 1530 in the 5513, you get a couple of additional jewels (for the main barrel and centre wheel) which really boost longevity.
I've serviced both movements and the 3130 is definitely a step up. But the 1530 is no slouch ;-)
 
Dominique
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So on my journey of documenting myself a little further, I discovered the Sea Dweller, ref 16600, full Tritium. I tried one today at a local shop that I really liked. I find these watches "underrated" from a budget standpoint (it is still an investment) and I have to say that I like the extra thickness. Pics of what I tried today (1991 model). What do you think ? No box BUT papers. Has a slight patina. As this will be my daily watch, if I go for a 5513, I am afraid I will not have a peaceful mind wearing it everyday (even if I know I will get one very soon as well). This is my first Rolex.

IMG_1882.webp IMG_1866.webp IMG_1865.webp
 
Knebo
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I'd simply say: if the size/thickness speaks to you, go for it!
 
Subspecies
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Personally, I'd go 5513,14060. The 16600 is too thick for my taste, but each to their own. Buy what you love the best.
 
spacemission
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My first rolex was a submariner, a 14060.

For diving, right now I would purchase a 5513 because of the plexi. Depending on the state of the tritium, I'd go for a dial without white gold index.

Good luck.
 
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